Denzel Washington Brings Life to John Coltrane’s Words in New ‘Chasing Trane’ Promo

By Sameer Rao Sep 08, 2016

We reported last week on the new Denzel Washington-narrated documentary about pioneering jazz saxophonist and composer John Coltrane. Director John Scheinfeld ("The U.S. vs. John Lennon") just offered the world a preview of "Chasing Trane: The John Coltrane Documentary" ahead of its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival tonight (September 8).

"This album is a humble offering to him, an attempt to say, ‘Thank you, God,’" Washington says as he recites Coltrane’s dedication for his iconic album "A Love Supreme." "Through our work, even as we do through our hearts and with our tongues, may He help and strengthen all men in every good endeavor."

The promo also features Coltrane’s home movies and interviews with trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, saxophonists Sonny Rollins and Kamasi Washington, guitarist Carlos Santana (who called Coltrane "an archangel, of the highest order, to bring healing in this planet") and former president Bill Clinton, who said the following: "I just thought, ‘Oh, my God.’ You know, this guy, his mind and his heart, his soul, they’re in a place that everybody ought to reach for.’"